Q.WHY DID I HAVE RATS IN MY GARDEN
I CONTACTED MY LOCAL COUNCILS PEST CONTROL DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST AONE OF THEIR PFFICERS TO COME AND RECTIFY THE PROBLEM OF RATS IN MY GARDEN THE FIRST QUESTION THEY ASKED WAS IF I WAS USING BIRD FEEDERS. WHEN SAID YES THEY TOLD ME IT WAS POINLESS SENDING ANYONE AS THE SEED DROPPINGS FROM THE FEEDERS FALLING TO THE FLOOR WAS WHAT THE RATS WERE AFTER AND DECLINED MY REQUEST I HAVE SINCE STOP FEEDING THE BIRDS AND I DO NOT HAVE RATS IN MY GARDEN OR BIRDS ANYNOREWE.WE ARE ASKED BY CONSERVATIONISTS TO FEED THE BIRDS DURING WINTER. COULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME HOW I CAN ATTRACT BIRDS TO RETURN TO MY GARDEN KIND REGARDS JOHN DUTFIELD (WEST MIDLANDS)

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Unfortunately, feeding one will feed the other. If you must feed the birds, then you will be forced with the task of eliminating rodents. Your focus will need to be shifted towards trapping, eradicating, or repelling rodents.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/eliminate-rats-in-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/do-hot-peppers-deter-pests.htm